The Retro Years: October
1: The transfer of Class 50s from the London Midland Region to the Western Region began in October 1972 when No. 400 (50050) was allocated to Bristol Bath Road. Nos. 401/402(50001/50002) were next in July and November 1973 respectively, with most of the rest moving in 1974 after electrification of the West Coast Main Line through to Glasgow, No. 421 (50021) being the last in 1975. Thus this shot of pre-TOPS No. 401 at Old Oak Common on October 13, 1973 is a relatively early one of the class on the WR.
2: The ‘Exmoor Belle’ tour from Exeter St David’s on October 3, 1970 (formed of Class 118 DMU Nos. 51328+59498+51313) was chiefly run to
